Once the decision has been made to have a stem cell transplant, lots of
preparation is needed. On an emotional level, preparing for a transplant may
entail spending time with friends and family or taking time out to be alone to
experience one’s feelings about the transplant. On a physical level, this may
mean eating a healthful diet, getting good dental care, and maintaining an
exercise routine. On a practical level, it may mean choosing a transplant center,
organizing caregiving arrangements and obtaining items for a hospital stay.

As indicated, selecting a transplant center will be a big decision. Talk to your
doctor and check with the insurance company to learn about your options.
Family factors may influence your choice of centers. Foremost, choose a center
that has a good amount of experience with your type of disease and in
performing transplants. Do your research and ask questions. If possible, visit the
medical center before your transplant.

There are distinct advantages to having the transplant at an experienced
medical center with an excellent track record. If, however, there is no center
near your home, you have concerns about the center’s reported outcomes, or the
center has performed too few of the kind of transplant you need, then the choice
may be more difficult. Calling the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) to
get a listing of centers performing unrelated stem cell transplants is an excellent
way to get initial information. The NMDP Transplant Center Access Directory
contains phone numbers and addresses of most transplant centers with
information about the number and type of transplants performed at each center
as well as some statistics about survival rates at each center. Additionally, BMT
InfoNet offers a comprehensive listing of transplant centers on its website (see
Resource Listing).

Other important considerations may include insurance coverage, proximity to
family, follow-up care, and living arrangements should you select a center away
from home. Signing on to stem cell transplant bulletin boards or newsgroups on
the Internet can be another useful way to get information. It may be helpful to
get personal accounts and recommendations, but beware that this can also
result in “misinformation.” Your health care team should be relied upon for the
most accurate medical advice.

Help get yourself and your family prepared to meet the transplant challenge.
Put together a notebook or binder to record information from your doctor visits
and/or take a tape recorder along with you. Take a family member or friend with
you during discussions with your medical team. They’ll provide backup support in
understanding what was said. Don’t hesitate to voice concerns.

Aside from the physical examinations and testing that you’ll undergo, family
and “support team” readiness is very important. Planning and discussions
between hospital staff and family will be helpful. Questions about finances,
employment, delegating responsibilities, and more should be addressed within a
family setting. Prepare children (as patients themselves or as children of
patients) to cope with the transplant. This is done through education and simple
(not scary) discussions about the procedure. Frequently offer children a chance
to ask questions about the transplant. Request age-appropriate material from
your health care team to help children understand. Attend information or
educational sessions at the transplant center to learn about what you can expect
before and after transplant.